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Car thieves using smart technology

   Mandy Barrett

  Manager of Product Solutions-Marketing & Sales

  Aon Risk Solutions

Thieves are now using technology against us by blocking radio signals from car key remotes says leading insurance brokers, Aon South Africa. 

Because of this interference, although you activate your remote in the usual fashion when leaving your car, you may miss the fact that the comforting ‘bleep’ you expect has not happened and the car doors don’t actually lock, leaving the vehicle and its contents vulnerable. 

This kind of activity is reportedly on the increase and it’s apparently very professionally done according to Aon’s Mandy Barrett.

“The only real defence you have is to be aware of the danger and to personally check that all doors and windows are in fact locked and for that matter, the vehicle is parked in a safe area, preferably with plenty of people about, where security guards are in place and the area is well lit” she adds.  

“The harsh fact is that, when it comes to theft of valuables from a vehicle, most insurance policies insist on evidence of forcible or violent entry before they pay out, or at the very least, you could face a hefty excess on the claim.”

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